OBITS: The Spectrum 27 Feb 2005; St. George, Washington co., Utah text-formatted by W. David Samuelsen *********************************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ut/utfiles.htm *********************************************************************** Source: St. George The Spectrum http://www.thespectrum.com Charles Gordon Creighton ST. GEORGE, Utah - Charles Gordon Creighton, age 74, passed away Thursday, February 24, 2005, at Dixie Regional Medical Center, in St. He was born January 2, 1931, in Danville, Illinois. Gordon moved to St. George in December of 2002. His love for his two dogs, Misha and Athena, was never ending. He was an avid NASCAR fan, waiting each year for the season to begin, and he never missed watching a race. He is survived by: Carol Ann; five children, Sheryl (Richard) McGaughey, of Ringgold, GA, Lynn (Richard) Oehmann, of St. George, UT, Kathy (Dan) Tanasz, of Brookside, UT, Daniel (Carin) Wantland, of Burbank, CA, and RuAnn Miller, of Buckeye, AZ; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Gordon is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, all of Illinois. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. Graveside services will be Wednesday, March 2, 2005, at 12:00 noon at the Tonaquint Cemetery, St. George, UT. Services will be conducted by Pastor Rick Nerud of Calvary Chapel. Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., (435) 673-2454. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the American Heart Association in Memory of Charles Gordon Creighton, 1937 S. 300 W. Suite 120, Salt Lake City, UT 84115, (800)-242-8721. Friends and family are invited to offer their condolences at www.spilsburymortuary.com. Click on the dove. Obituaries are also available at our Web site. Click on the rose. Originally published February 27, 2005 Chet Si Crofts PANGUITCH, Utah - Chet Si Crofts, 31, returned to his Heavenly Father on Friday, February 25, at Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George, Utah with his family at his side. Chet was born on August 3, 1973 in Cedar City, Utah to Richard Ray and Marianne Henrie Crofts. He lived most of his life in Panguitch, Utah. After a drowning accident at the age of 2, Chet spent the rest of his life as one of Heavenly Father's Special Children. Chet had a beautiful smile, a contagious laugh and everyone that knew him loved him, and was touched by him. Chet had a loving, dedicated family that loved him and loved to served him, and through this opportunity, received many blessings. He had the special privilege of being able to attend Panguitch schools for the past 24 years. During this time he was blessed with loving teachers and many friends who cared for him. Chet dearly loved them all. Chet is survived by his parents, Richard and Marianne Crofts of Panguitch; brothers and sisters, Chanc and Danielle Crofts of Hurricane, Curt and Emily Crofts of Washington, Cade and Michelle Crofts of Panguitch and Candace Crofts of St. George; nephews, Cody, Kyle, Cole, Corbin and Ethan; grandfather, Steele F. Henrie of Panguitch. He is preceded in death by his grandmothers, Ireta Slater Henrie, Ireta Ray Crofts Anderson and grandfather Josiah Hoyt "Si" Crofts. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 28, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. in the Panguitch 3rd LDS Ward Chapel, 200 North 400 East. Friends may call at the ward chapel in Panguitch on Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Burial will be in the Panguitch Cemetery. Funeral Directors, Neal S. Magleby & Sons Mortuary, Richfield, Salina, Gunnison and Manti. Online Guest book www.maglebymortuary.com. Originally published February 27, 2005 Margaret J. Hastings WASHINGTON CITY - Margaret J. Hastings, 83, Washington, Utah, returned to her heavenly father Friday, February 25, 2005, at Kolob Care & Rehabilitation of St. George. She was born September 2, 1921 in Warwick, Australia. She is preceded in death by six brothers, Jack, Basil, Doug, Bernard, Max, and Desi; two husbands; Wasyl Hober and James D. Hastings. She is survived by two sons, William D. and Wayne J. Hober, and one daughter, Lynn J. Hamil; 16 grandchildren; Desiree, Mike, April, Anthony, Carrie, Jessica, Carlie, Stephanie, John, Nicole, Brooke, Cory, Michelle, Billy, Shawnee, and Bert, and 21 great grandchildren. A viewing will be held Monday March 1, 2005 at Hurricane Valley Mortuary from 6-7 P.M. and Tuesday March 2, 2005 from 9- 10 A. M. with graveside services at 10 A.M. at the Hurricane Cemetery. Graveside services will be conducted by Deacon O'Brien of the Catholic Church. We would like to give a special thanks to the staff of Kolob Care and Rehabilitation of St. George for their special care of Margaret. Originally published February 27, 2005 Mary Jensen Mary Edna Dawson Jensen, 88, of Pleasant Grove, Utah passed away on Thursday, February 24, 2005.She was born June 14, 1916 in Hanrahans, North Carolina to John and Lillian Mumford Dawson.She married Vern S. Jensen on March 23, 1945 in San Francisco, California. Vern passed away in 1994. Mary grew up in Ayden, North Carolina and attended schools there, graduating from Griffith High School.She was fond of her youth growing up on the family cotton farm with her six sisters and two brothers.Mary had a desire to see the world and moved to New York and worked at Grummen Aircraft.She joined the Marine Corp during WWII and met and fell in love with Vern while stationed in San Francisco.Mary and Vern moved to Pleasant Grove after the war and made their home there. Mary enjoyed sewing, cooking, and working in the garden with Vern.Her life was devoted to service for anyone who was in need. Mary's greatest joy was spending time with her family whom she loved dearly. She is survived by her daughter Burdette (Bryant) Powell, Lehi, UT; eight grandchildren: Ryan, Adam, Alecia, Tameron, Britton, Lisa, Aaron, and Alec and 13 great-grandchildren.Additional survivors include five sisters: Mildred Loromer, Ayden, NC; Doris Coston, Kinston, NC; Ruth Koldjeski, Morehead City, NC; Ida Cudney, Arlington, TX; and Joyce Erickson, Merritt Island, FL.She was preceded in death her parents and siblings: James Dawson, Frank Dawson and Catherine McClohorn. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 1, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. in the Olpin Family Mortuary Chapel, 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove.Friends may call Monday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the mortuary and on Tuesday one hour prior to services.Interment will be in the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery.Military rites will be conducted by District IV of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the caregivers at Greenwood Assisted Living and Alpine Valley Care Center for their kindnesses to mother over the past several years. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinfamilymortuary.com. Originally published February 27, 2005 Brenda Gale King ST. GEORGE, UT - Brenda Gale King, 46, returned to her Heavenly Father on February 25, 2005, after a long and courageous battle against cervical cancer. She was born February 28, 1958, in Augusta, Georgia to her beloved parents Kent Leo Anderson and Rosalind Ann Bumgardner. She was the oldest of four children. She is survived by her husband Michael Jay King; her daughters and sons, Angalique and Josh Leishman, Brintton Burns, Brooke and Kevin Millett, Jake King, Jacey King, and Jaxon King of St. George, Utah. Grandchildren: Jayden, Tristin, Taylor, Ashlyn, Kyden, Sydnee, and Kaylee; brother, Brady (Angie) Anderson, Jody (Kiersten) Anderson; sister, Lacy (Ezekial) Susman. She was raised in Salina, Utah, graduated from North Sevier High School and received a Secretarial Certificate at Sevier Valley Tech. She worked in the law field for 15 years and medical field for 11¬2 years. She served her Heavenly Father as a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through out many callings. Her many hobbies included: being surrounded by her loving family, scrapbooking, reading, toll painting, and gardening. There will be a viewing held at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W. St. George Blvd., on Sunday, February 27, 2005, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 28, 2005, at 11:00 a.m., at the Green Valley LDS 5th Ward Chapel, 124 N. Valley View Dr., in St. George, Utah. Interment will be in the Pioneer Cemetery in Salina, Utah, under the direction of Metcalf Mortuary 435-673-4221. Condolences may be sent through Metcalf's Web site at www.metcalfmortuary.com. Originally published February 27, 2005 Jack Lasswell SANTA CLARA, Utah - Jackie David "Jack" Lasswell, 70, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, February 26, 2005, at Dixie Regional Medical Center. He was born on February 7, 1935, to Carl Leslie "Jack" and Emma Sue Schork Lasswell in Canton, Missouri. He was an only child. He grew up in Missouri and graduated from Kirksville High School where he holds a record in track. He served in the Air Force for 12 years. While serving in the Air Force he came to St. George to work at the Radar Site and met his sweetheart, Vicki Frei. They were married on March 3, 1964. They owned Jack's Fountain and Lunch on main street and he also worked for Petrolane Gas. He was transferred to Idaho and Montana, but returned back to Santa Clara in 1976 where he raised his family. He was employed as a Bailbondsman for Beehive Bail Bonds. His greatest love in life was his wife, children, and grandchildren. He enjoyed watching sporting events and would go watch any game he could find high school or college. His favorite games to watch were those of his grandkids and he became an avid fan of Snow Canyon sports. He was lovingly called "Grandpa Jack" by all who knew him. One of his greatest qualities was that of giving. He was happiest when he was giving to people, especially at Christmas. He loved his wife and enjoyed having her with him all the time. He has lived a long time with diabetes and the complications from it, but did not complain and would still make his way to his grandkids' ball games. He had a nickname for every grandchild and loved to call them by their special name. He is dearly loved and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his: wife, Vicki of Santa Clara; and children, Denise (Paul) Webster of Santa Clara, Sue (Randy) Yocum of Chandler, Arizona, and JD (fiance Jill) Lasswell of Springville, Utah; and his grandchildren: Elder Wesley Webster (Philadelphia PA Mission)(called Sam), Whitnee (Blondie), Mykelle (Doodle Bug), Jadon (Scout), Kallan (Shotgun), Britton (BJ Dude), & Kameron (Cinco) Webster of Santa Clara, and Callum (Tiger) Yocum of Chandler, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Emma Sue Lasswell. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, March 1, 2005, at 11:00 a.m. at the Santa Clara 1st Ward Chapel, 3040 W. Santa Clara Drive. Friends and family may visit Monday, February 28, 2005, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary and again Tuesday from 9:30 to10:30 a.m., prior to services, at the Chapel. Interment will be held in the Santa Clara Cemetery. Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., (435)-673-2454. Friends and family are invited to offer their condolences at www.spilsburymortuary.com. Click on the dove. Obituaries are also available at our Web site. Click on the rose. Originally published February 27, 2005 Willard H. Pitcher Willard H. Pitcher, 86, passed away Feb. 23, 2005 at Dixie Regional Medical Center of kidney failure. At his passing, his dear wife was at his side. Willard was born Oct. 14, 1918 in Bennington, Idaho. He is the oldest child of Nathan Herbert Pitcher and Gwendolyn Mouritsen. He was one of the first drafted from Smithfield in WWII. Willard married Seletta Rae Morris in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on September 9, 1947. Willard owned a 50-acre farm. He also drove the school bus for 19 years. He then worked at the Lewiston School as the building engineer. 20 years were dedicated to serving on the Trenton Town Board as water superintendent. Willard had his pilot's license and enjoyed flying. He provided music lessons for his children. He loved listening to them perform as well as his grandchildren. Willard is survived by his wife, Seletta, three brothers, Weldon (Merlynn), Edward "Budd" (Rheabell), Orvid (Marva) all of Smithfield. Blanch, sister-in-law (Boyd-deceased) of Richmond, and one sister DeNiece (Robert) Spencer of Aurora, Nebraska. Children; W. Morris (Debra), Providence, Jay A. (Paula), St. George, L. Dale (Rhonda), Hyde Park, Rae Ann (K. Michael) Chapman, Trenton, and Iva Jean (Jeffrey A.) House, Taylorsville. His posterity includes 32 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Boyd, and a great-grandchild Donovan Fay. Funeral services: Trenton Church 1200 N. 400 W., Feb.28th 12 pm. Viewing 10-11:30 am and Feb. 27th 6-8 pm. Interment will be in the Trenton Cemetery. As Willard thought so much of children, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Primary Children's Hospital in his name. Originally published February 27, 2005 Luise Margareta Wood LAS VEGAS - Luise Margareta Wood, age 77, passed away Thursday, February 24, 2005, in Las Vegas. She was born September 3, 1927, in Pressath, Germany, a daughter of Johann and Anna Kreuzer Heidenblut. She married Dwane Gibson Wood , and he preceded her in death on August 5, 1988. She came to America, the happy bride of Dwane Gibson Wood, on December 25, 1953. Since she was an Army wife she lived in many different states, but they settled in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1966. Luise was a stay-at-home Mom until her children were raised, after which time she was employed for 14 years as the head housekeeper at the hotel that was formerly known as the Holiday Inn South. She is survived by her: daughter, Shirley (Manuel) of Las Vegas; Ron (Jodi) of Canyon City, CO; and Randall, of St. George, UT; eight grandchildren, Kenny, Rich, Lisa, Ron, Nathan, Julie, Cody, and John; 13 great-grandchildren; loving sister, Ottilie Uhlig, and brother, Hans Heidenblut, both of Germany. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dwane, and her parents. Luise lives deep in her family's hearts, and she will be missed until the day we see her beautiful spirit again. The gates of heaven will swing open for her honest, caring, loving, hard working spirit, and she will be welcomed home to the loving arms of our Heavenly Father. I know he missed her, too. Graveside services will be Tuesday, March 1, 2005, at 1:00 p.m. at the Hurricane City Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the Hurricane Valley Mortuary. Arrangements are made under the direction of Hurricane Valley Mortuary, 140 N. Main St., Hurricane, (435) 635-2454. Funeral Director W. Russell Atkin. Friends and family are invited to offer their condolences at www.spilsburymortuary.com. Click on the dove. Obituaries are also available at our Web site. Click on the rose. Originally published February 27, 2005